#Breckenridge.
So, you bought your dream machine!
Now, buy your Colorado state snowmobile registration at the new Friends of the Dillon Ranger District Store, which is the latest addition to our resources to help the community enjoy the White River National Forest. Besides permits, the FDRD Store also offers great information on trails and other fun adventures in Summit County and a friendly ranger to answer your questions.
Snowmobiles can bring you to the ends of the earth and back again. While getting that off-piste photo or hitting up that perfect line, remember you are a guest in our national forest lands. At this time of year, life is dormant but not dead! The regeneration of next year’s forest is taking place.
Snowmobiles share these interior trails with snowshoers, cross-country skiers and backcountry enthusiasts, all of whom treasure the winter wonders that exist in Summit County. Please be considerate of your friends and neighbors, and don’t forget about the other creatures that inhabit the forest. If you see violations in the forestlands or animals being pursued, don’t hesitate to report it to the nearest law enforcement officer.
SNOWMOBILE LAWS, SAFETY
A wise and safe snowmobile operator knows the rules of the trails in Colorado. These can be found on www.cpw.state.co.us. Carefully following the rules shows proper respect to Mother Nature during the winter season. Avid snowmobilers can increase their excitement by taking a Snowmobile Safety Certification Course through their local snowmobile clubs, the Colorado Snowmobile Association and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. For more information, visit the helpful snowmobile links page or contact your local CPW office.
A few of the important laws include having an approved muffler for noise reduction, being equipped with working brakes that are sufficient to control the snowmobile under any condition and having proper lighting, with at least one headlamp that can reveal persons and objects at a distance of at least 100 feet ahead and a red light plainly visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear. (Make sure your taillights are free of snow.)
Snowmobile safety is important for your enjoyment of the forest. Knowledge of the ever-changing weather forecast, especially the avalanche and snow conditions in the area, is critical. Because of unpredictable conditions, it is crucial for snowmobilers to carry and know how to use avalanche rescue gear. Check the local avalanche and winter forecast before entering the backcountry, and travel with an experienced partner. Carry a topographical map or GPS to keep track of mountain peaks, valleys and rivers. It is each user’s responsibility to know his or her location in relation to the map. Observing and obeying all signage protects sensitive wildlife and wilderness areas in their natural state. Carry a flashlight or flare for emergency signaling, but never blaze a new trail at night!
Wear sensible, protective clothing and use a full-size helmet, goggles or face shield to prevent injuries from twigs, stones, ice chips and flying debris. Do not wear long scarves; they can get caught in the moving parts of the snowmobile.
The snowmobile advancements of the past 10 years grant access to remote places seen by few and enable rescues that otherwise couldn’t happen. During the winter season’s splendors, remember that conditions change fast and without warning. Avalanche or drowning fatalities can result when snowmobilers venture into inappropriate places. Remember, your safety is your responsibility.
Favorite White River National Forest snowmobile trail areas include Trail 1 Golden Horseshoe, Trail 2 Spring Creek Area and Trail 3 Montezuma Area. Leave behind only thoughtful tracks, so come summer, we all can enjoy the same trails. Don’t forget to join us on a volunteer day this summer to preserve your favorite trail.
Mother Nature will thank you!
Jasmine Hupcey is the office and volunteer manager for Friends of the Dillon Ranger District. Contact her at jasmine@fdrd.org. For information on volunteer opportunities, visit www.fdrd.org.
Courtesy of the Summit Daily News.
